Mountain - Plains - Anyone else get a Glorious ride in Denver Metro Area Today?

Anyone else in Denver Metro Area get out today?

Temp in 50's, melting snow alongside the trail, little wind, 100's of geese overhead, blue sky, wife and I did a nice 20 mile ride. Just glorious!

Went skiing on Sunday, but did get a bit of a ride in yesterday and rode down to work today. Fantastic weather!

Another glorious ride.

Sunny
Temp - about 53F
Wind 10-15 mph from SW

Gear: Khaki Shorts, undershirt and sweatshirt and shoes and socks and helmet.
Mileage 18.3.

Specialized HR w/ two panniers

Again, today - temp 70+, wife and I did 20 miles. Beautiful, but why is it so warm in January in Denver? Scares me a bit.

oh man it was fookin' awesome!

Rode three laps at the Cherry Creek reservoir... there were 100s of people there, at least half were on bikes. I had my new tires pumped to 135psi -- a test since I normally ride 115 -- and was gonna hit Wash Park, but after 40 miles, I just went home. Harder tires I think wore me down. But I bet the ladies were out in full force at wash park :D

"...why is it so warm in January in Denver? Scares me a bit."
-- dude, it's been freezing lately, don't jinx us :) it was 40*F yesterday, right?

Think I'll jump on my scooter and go spend some money at the LBS.

Awww. The weather was wonderful today!!! Didn't get the chance to ride today, but definitely plan on it tomorrow. Instead washed cars, took the dog for a walk which he loved more then me. We are very lucky to be enjoying such nice weather in January!!! Thats why I love this state!!

Yup, took a ride around Cherry Creek Reservoir as well. Upper 60s, shorts and short sleeve shirt, sunscreen!

Yup, awesome day! The dog was happy, I was happy and I even got my roomie to do a commute test ride. woot! I do hope we get more snow, tho. I am concerned with water shortages.

I went to Chatfield yesterday, although Cherry Creek is always great. I don't have a computer on my bike, can anyone tell me how many miles one lap around Cherry Creek Reservior is?

I went to Chatfield yesterday, although Cherry Creek is always great. I don't have a computer on my bike, can anyone tell me how many miles one lap around Cherry Creek Reservior is?

Straight around, without any side trails, about 9 miles. My wife and I start at the two mile extension of the CCT that dead ends on Caley at the Valley Country Club, ride down to the loop road, go around the reservoir one time, head back up the two mile extension, turn left on the Piney Creek Trail and go to where the library used to be and have lunch at the Piney Creek Inn, then head back on down and to our car. About 15-17 miles, depending on whether or not you take any of the other roads/trails in the park.

From the Carson Nature Center on the Platte River Trail to the Marina at Chatfield is 10 miles one way. Dwontown is 14 miles from the Carson Nature Center .

For a really fun ride, ride your mountain bike up from the west side of Chatfield (the dirt road by the ponds) through the Audubon Nature Center and Waterton Parking lot, go up to the top of Waterton Canyon

http://members.aol.com/dnvrfox/wtrtn1.jpg


then back down again. Great fun ride, and if you want you can do single track at the top.

Yup, awesome day! The dog was happy, I was happy and I even got my roomie to do a commute test ride. woot! I do hope we get more snow, tho. I am concerned with water shortages.

Do you go much on the trail from Palmer Lake by the AF Academy to and through CS? My wife and I did that once and it was fun.

Plan to enjoy some riding in the Boulder area during Spring Break (March 5-13). I'd like to test a 2004 Dahon Matrix with Hutchison Python tires (reportedly very good on hard packed trails, very bad in mud). Do the trails tend to get very muddy in Spring? I've only experienced these trails when it's summer time and the ridin' is easy ;-) Also what are your favorite single-track trails?

:roflmao: :roflmao:

Plan to enjoy some riding in the Boulder area during Spring Break (March 5-13). I'd like to test a 2004 Dahon Matrix with Hutchison Python tires (reportedly very good on hard packed trails, very bad in mud). Do the trails tend to get very muddy in Spring? I've only experienced these trails when it's summer time and the ridin' is easy ;-) Also what are your favorite single-track trails?

:roflmao: :roflmao:
I loved my Pythons, but they wore down too quickly.

Muddy in Spring? Are you :roflmao: cuz you're joking? It can get extremely muddy and deep like a tar pit. My favorite mtb race at Winter Park was the trail used for the 24-hour adrenalin... I had to pick my bike up and run 100yds at one point cuz it was just too deep. Felt like snowshoeing without the shoes :) I <3 mud

Favorite trail... all of 'em :D check out http://trailcentral.com/trail/index.php?county=Boulder

I got out on Sunday (the 23rd) as well and it was a great day! Rode the Platte River Trail in Littleton. Better still, I rented a bike, got my girlfriend to ride for the first time in about 10 years and she LOVED IT! :D Now she's talking about buying a bike and riding with me frequently! Life is good... ;)

Dnvr - Waterton is one of my favorite trails for a decent workout. The main dirt road is 13 miles up and back with a gentle incline - just enough of one to get the heart really pumping in spots. I'm guessing it's probably still pretty icy in areas now though. May have to take a ride up there soon if the nice weather continues and take a look...

Dnvr - Waterton is one of my favorite trails for a decent workout. The main dirt road is 13 miles up and back with a gentle incline - just enough of one to get the heart really pumping in spots. I'm guessing it's probably still pretty icy in areas now though. May have to take a ride up there soon if the nice weather continues and take a look...

If you add in the Chatfield piece, you can get 30-40 miles, depending on where you start.

I haven't really explored much recently. I'm just now getting back on the bike after a long hiatus. (Remember, I come from the flatland. :)) I'm pleased though, because I going to start commuting to work.


Do you go much on the trail from Palmer Lake by the AF Academy to and through CS? My wife and I did that once and it was fun.

I haven't really explored much recently. I'm just now getting back on the bike after a long hiatus. (Remember, I come from the flatland. :)) I'm pleased though, because I going to start commuting to work.

This trail follows an old rail line so it is pretty flat, except for a small section near the Air Force Academy. It was closed at the Academy right after the 9/11 incident, but I understand it has since reopened. This trail should eventually connect Denver to Colorado Springs (as did the bike trail 100 years ago which was torn out with the coming of the auto!).

Congrats on the commute.

Monument to where?

Show of hands...

Who thinks DFox needs to lead us on some rides? The dude knows every trail!

Show of hands...

Who thinks DFox needs to lead us on some rides? The dude knows every trail!

I'm afraid my wife and I would be run over by the "younger set." :D

Our church has an "XYZ" club for we "seniors." Isn't that the most Gosh-Awful name - "XYZ."

Generally they get in the van and go visit things such as the "Doll Show." Just my and my wife's cup of tea - yeah, right. And a whole bunch of other "senior" folks don't attend either, because they like to DO things, not just look at things.

Anyway, I am organizing and leading some walking and bicycling trips starting in late March, just as soon as I can get some responses to the church's liability coverage for these types of events.

You are welcome to join us!

Our first walk will be 1.25 miles around a lake. Yeah, didn't want to start off with anything too strenuous! I imagine the first bicycle ride will be under 10 miles, as anything over 10 miles seems to scare folks.

Join us! :roflmao: :roflmao:

Actuallly the commute is monument to just into the academy. There's a spur off the trail that goes up to the lexus/nexus and oracle bldgs. My work is close on by. I'm so lazy though: it's only an 8 mile (one way) commute, but I am very bad in the morning. (I used to do a 35-40 mile (round trip) commute in Cleveland.) Tonight I am getting everything set up for the morning. So I just have to wake up, get out of bed, on the commute clothes, walk the dog, grab a bite, then go!




This trail follows an old rail line so it is pretty flat, except for a small section near the Air Force Academy. It was closed at the Academy right after the 9/11 incident, but I understand it has since reopened. This trail should eventually connect Denver to Colorado Springs (as did the bike trail 100 years ago which was torn out with the coming of the auto!).

Congrats on the commute.

Monument to where?

Show of hands... Who thinks DFox needs to lead us on some rides?

Right here! :D

Well, it was 47F today, and the wife and I did several miles at Cherry Creek Reservoir. Never thought I would ride with her at 47F! She loved it (by the way, she outdates me by two years at 67yo). I had already ridden a bit on the Highline Canal, so the CC Ride was a nice dessert.

I spent a month over Christmas in Lakewood and loved the trails around Bear Creek and into Denver downtown.

I wish my hometown had the same enthusiasm for cycling.

(by the way, she outdates me by two years...).
Dude, I'm a big fan of the older ladies too!

PS: Much jealousy abounds that you got to ride during the day :)

Hello fellow Metro Denver riders! I enjoyed reading where everyone rode on those beautiful days last weekend (Jan 22-23).

I've been riding the Chatfield/Waterton Canyon area the last couple of months, but I'm in need of suggestions on some new routes. At the moment, I'm riding my mountain bike waiting for dryer conditions before I bring out my road bike. I've been having problems in Chatfield and even going up Waterton Canyon with unleashed dogs. Does anyone know of places I can ride my mountain bike at this time of year without many unleashed dogs?

Also, I need some route suggestions when I do finally get on my road bike. I like to ride between 80 to 100 miles a ride. Last summer my regular route ran from my apartment in Highlands Ranch to the South Platte bike path up to Confluence Park, then to Cherry Creek Reservoir, through and then out of the park. When I reached between 40-50 miles, I would turn around and follow the same route back home. For a change of pace, I would sometimes ride from my apartment, take the bike path to Golden and then up Lookout Mountain and back for a 65 mile ride. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

Dan

I've been riding the Chatfield/Waterton Canyon area the last couple of months, but I'm in need of suggestions on some new routes. At the moment, I'm riding my mountain bike waiting for dryer conditions before I bring out my road bike. I've been having problems in Chatfield and even going up Waterton Canyon with unleashed dogs. Does anyone know of places I can ride my mountain bike at this time of year without many unleashed dogs?

Thanks

Dan

I am surprised about unleashed dogs in Waterton Canyon, as dogs are strictly prohibited in order to protect the Bighorn Sheep and other wildlife.

I guess I would report that to Jeffco/Douglas Counties animal control or whatever.

I have never had any trouble with unleashed dogs in the Chatfield area, and have ridden there a lot. ????



Also, I need some route suggestions when I do finally get on my road bike.

How about C470-E470 Trail East to CC Trail, and now you can go south on the CC Trail to Franktown (CO 86). If you do this, pm me as there are a couple of tricks to getting there, but it is open all the way. Once you hit 86, you can take the Castlewood Canyon Road (the west road, not the entrance off of CO 83) to Castlewood Canyon State Park, where the road turns to washboard gravel - time to turn around! That should make about a 70+ mile ride, depending on where in HR you start. If you would like to do more, go up Sulphur Gulch Trail in Parker and ride the hills east of Parker. This will add about 12 miles. Say "Hi" as you go by my house just south of E470 and the CC Trail.

Waterton Canyon is also one of my favorite rides for a quick workout. Regarding the unleashed dogs deal, there shouldn't be any dogs up there! The signs at the trailhead prohibit any pets. Might want to mention that to the offenders next time you see any.

As for road rides, I take routes similar to you - on the PRT bike path and around Denver. I'd like to hear some other ideas as well...

http://www.bikedenver.org/links.htm -- check the maps, nicely detailed.

Yes, LordOpie, Dnvrfox should lead us on a ride. He doesn't have to worry about me running him down, I'm still acclimating to the allitude and I've lost my fitness because of the move.

Isn't the snow pretty this morning!

Kathi

I have never had any trouble with unleashed dogs in the Chatfield area, and have ridden there a lot. ????
Do you ride there on the weekends? Because of my heavy work schedule this is the only time I can ride. This is when the dog owners are out in force especially on the trail that runs south to Waterton. Every time I ride there I have to endure encounters with unleashed dogs. Especially near the parking areas. On one occassion, one couple had four unleashed dogs that kept jumping at me and almost knocked me off my bike.



How about C470-E470 Trail East to CC Trail, and now you can go south on the CC Trail to Franktown (CO 86). If you do this, pm me as there are a couple of tricks to getting there, but it is open all the way. Once you hit 86, you can take the Castlewood Canyon Road (the west road, not the entrance off of CO 83) to Castlewood Canyon State Park, where the road turns to washboard gravel - time to turn around! That should make about a 70+ mile ride, depending on where in HR you start. If you would like to do more, go up Sulphur Gulch Trail in Parker and ride the hills east of Parker. This will add about 12 miles. Say "Hi" as you go by my house just south of E470 and the CC Trail.
I had no idea that a path went to Franktown. I will definitely check out these routes. Great suggestions, thanks!!



Waterton Canyon is also one of my favorite rides for a quick workout. Regarding the unleashed dogs deal, there shouldn't be any dogs up there! The signs at the trailhead prohibit any pets. Might want to mention that to the offenders next time you see any.
Out of all the years that I've been riding Waterton Canyon, I never saw one dog until this year. I checked it out last weekend and saw three different signs that say "No Dogs Allowed." Sadly, it appears that some dog owners don't care.



http://www.bikedenver.org/links.htm -- check the maps, nicely detailed.
Thanks LordOpie!! I have many links to wonderful bike webpages for Denver, but somehow missed this one.

Do you ride there on the weekends? Because of my heavy work schedule this is the only time I can ride. This is when the dog owners are out in force especially on the trail that runs south to Waterton. Every time I ride there I have to endure encounters with unleashed dogs. Especially near the parking areas. On one occassion, one couple had four unleashed dogs that kept jumping at me and almost knocked me off my bike.



I had no idea that a path went to Franktown. I will definitely check out these routes. Great suggestions, thanks!!





I have ridden there at all times, also hiked. On my mtn bike, I ride from the parking lot by the west ponds in Chatfield, up the gravel road/trail, by the Audubon Center and the Waterton Parking lot, up to Strontia Springs Dam and return, never seen a loose dog! Guess I have been lucky, but generally don't ride so much on weekends.

There is a "no dog leash" area on the east side of Chatfield, at the end of the "over the dam" road. It has several ponds that dogs can play in, etc. But, even there, the owners keep the dogs under pretty good verbal control.

The cement path to Franktown includes about 1.5-2.0 miles of gravel/dirt road between Scott Road and the next subdivision south (but travelable on a road bike), two sort of unmarked jogs to the right and 5 gates with some open range cattle. You end up on a dirt road just about 1/4 mile from CO 86 just west of Cherry Creek, about a mile west of Franktown, and 1/4 mile west of Castlewood Canyon Road. I have done the whole think easily on a road bike - 700x25 tires with no problem.

You could make a nice loop by going west on 86 to Crowfoot Valley Road north, which turns into Mossbacher at Stroh Road, and you can pick up the CC Trail again on a spur just north (through the houses) off of Mossbacher just north of Stroh. Some nice hills, if you like them.

Ride Report

Tuesday, February 1, 2005

Temperature - colder than a witch's bit

Wind - too fast

Sky - clear and a deep blue, sunny

Surface - Dry with icy patches

Bike - Spec Hard Rock

Clothing - anything I could find in the closet

Okay, I only did 8 miles, but I did at least get a ride in today.

Brrr!

Fox, I'm not jealous... way too cold for my wimpy butt.


I'm taking a rare day off tomorrow and am going to do my longest ride in four months... ~55 miles.

I've not done this route yet, so should be interesting -- start from my house at Monaco & Cherry Creek Trail to REI/Confluence, down the Platte to C-470, east to Peoria or Jordan, north to the reservoir, back home via the trail.

Next weekend day that's gonna be nice all day, I'd like to try to ride from my house to Golden and up Lookout Mt., but not sure how to connect CCT to Golden. Thinking of taking city streets to 32nd and into north side of Golden.

but not sure how to connect CCT to Golden

CCT to Confluence Park. North on Platte Canyon Trail (about 10 miles or so) from Confluence Park to Clear Creek Trail (probably not marked, but follows Clear Creek and there is a restroom just before going west).

West on Clear Creek Trail - and - voila - Golden

----------------------------------------------------

Tomorrow, when you get to Jordan and E470 Trail, spit and you will hit my house! But, I will be in Colorado Springs.

I had no idea that a path went to Franktown. I will definitely check out these routes. Great suggestions, thanks!!

Thanks LordOpie!! I have many links to wonderful bike webpages for Denver, but somehow missed this one.

I'm not sure what part of Denver you start in but you can go north on the Platte Trail to 104th Ave. From there go east about a mile to Riverdale Rd. Riverdale is a wonderful country road with some traffic but it isn't that busy. Take Riverdale all the way to Colorado 7, then east to Brighton. From Brighton you can come south through Henderson back to either McKay Road or 88th Ave. and then down the Platte trail. From Confluence Park, round trip is probably 80 miles.

If you don't want to go that far north, turn at Clear Creek trail. This trail goes all the way to Golden now without interuption. In Golden, if you go up 19th St., you can turn onto a new trail that follows along US 6. (Stop and see the dinosaur tracks if it isn't muddy.) At the bottom of the hill (and you'll know which one when you get there) there is a trail that goes off to the south under US 6. It will eventually put you out at Heritage Square. From there go out on US40 and go east to Rooney Road where you will turn south and follow the road until you come to the C-470 trail, about 4 miles. From there you can go south to Chatfield or you can turn on Bear Creek. Looking at the distances, if you go all the way to Chatfield, this route might get you close to a century, depending on where you start.

If you want a 50 miler around Downtown, start at the Confluence, go north to the Metro Sewage plant (about 71st Ave.) and then east on Sand Creek. Sand Creek will take you through the Stapleton area and out to Aurora, where you can hook up with the Highline Canal Trail off of Chambers Rd. Come back on the Highline to Cherry Creek Trail and back to the Confluence. The route is about half dirt. I once did it at night and it's a real hoot!

As for maps, I'd suggest the DBTC Denver Metro Map. Very comprehensive, relatively cheap and recently updated. It covers all of the metro area.

Stuart Black

Thanks Fox! Where does Clear Creek end in Golden?

Have fun in the Springs.

Fox, I'm not jealous... way too cold for my wimpy butt.


I'm taking a rare day off tomorrow and am going to do my longest ride in four months... ~55 miles.

I've not done this route yet, so should be interesting -- start from my house at Monaco & Cherry Creek Trail to REI/Confluence, down the Platte to C-470, east to Peoria or Jordan, north to the reservoir, back home via the trail.

Next weekend day that's gonna be nice all day, I'd like to try to ride from my house to Golden and up Lookout Mt., but not sure how to connect CCT to Golden. Thinking of taking city streets to 32nd and into north side of Golden.

There are a couple of good ways to get to Golden off of the Cherry Creek Trail. Perhaps the easiest, is to go up 15th St. from behind REI to the top of the hill. 15th turns into 29th Ave. Just follow 29th to Pierce where you want to turn right and go up to 32nd. From there, just follow 32nd all the way to Golden. When you get to Golden, just past Coors, turn left on Ford. Follow this road out to 19th St (it's kind of busy just after you make the turn), turn right and on up that monster hill :o For the most fun, go all the way over Lookout Mtn and come down US40. 45 to 55 mph down hills :eek: :D WhEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

Stuart Black

There are a couple of good ways to get to Golden off of the Cherry Creek Trail. Perhaps the easiest, is to go up 15th St. from behind REI to the top of the hill. 15th turns into 29th Ave. Just follow 29th to Pierce where you want to turn right and go up to 32nd. From there, just follow 32nd all the way to Golden. When you get to Golden, just past Coors, turn left on Ford. Follow this road out to 19th St (it's kind of busy just after you make the turn), turn right and on up that monster hill :o For the most fun, go all the way over Lookout Mtn and come down US40. 45 to 55 mph down hills :eek: :D WhEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

Stuart Black
that's what I was thinking. An ex-g/f lived at Sloan's Lake and we would do that ride, so the only part I haven't ridden was REI to 32nd. I'd prefer to be on a trail the entire way, but I think if I took the route Fox recommended, that'd put me at 80 miles... a bit more than I can handle this early in the year.

Since I've got y'alls ear...

Is there any way to get from Lookout Mt. to Squaw Pass without riding on I-70?

that's what I was thinking. An ex-g/f lived at Sloan's Lake and we would do that ride, so the only part I haven't ridden was REI to 32nd. I'd prefer to be on a trail the entire way, but I think if I took the route Fox recommended, that'd put me at 80 miles... a bit more than I can handle this early in the year.

Since I've got y'alls ear...

Is there any way to get from Lookout Mt. to Squaw Pass without riding on I-70?

Think. Think. Think.

Okay, if you want trail the whole way - or at least most of it - at Pierce turn north and keep going across 32nd. Continue on Pierce until it tees at about 48th. Turn right and go about 2 blocks until you come to the only left turn off of 48th in that area. This will take you down to Clear Creek. From there the trail will take you all the way to Golden with only one small break just before Kipling. This will cut off about 15 miles of the route that takes you all the way up the Platte trail. The road part in town is pretty quiet.

Unfortunately, you have to ride a little bit of I-70 to get to Evergreen Parkway. No way around it. From the top of Lookout Mt. at Buffalo Bill's grave, keep following Larriat Trail. Don't take any turns but stay on the main road. Eventually (3-5 miles), the road will end at US40. Take US 40 up to Gennesee where you will have to ride on about 3 miles of I-70. Don't worry, it's not as bad as you think. I-70 has a very wide shoulder - another lane actually - and the only dodgy part is crossing Chief Hossa exit. Luckily there isn't too much traffic on that exit so just be careful and quick and you shouldn't have a problem. Take the Bergen Park/Evergreen/El Rancho exit (whatever they are calling it now, the next one anyway) and follow Evergreen Parkway around to Bergen Park. I haven't ridden that area in a while but I think there have been some bicycle improvements. That should put you at the base of Squaw Pass.

Stuart Black

that's what I was thinking. An ex-g/f lived at Sloan's Lake and we would do that ride, so the only part I haven't ridden was REI to 32nd. I'd prefer to be on a trail the entire way, but I think if I took the route Fox recommended, that'd put me at 80 miles... a bit more than I can handle this early in the year.



I used to commute (just a few times) from Holly and Orchard (way SE) to the CCT, PRT and up to the Clear Creek Trail and Pecos - 28 miles one way. As I said, just a few times. I also took a lot of rec rides on the Clear Creek Trail, Little Dry Creek Trail and Ralston Creek Trail (not recommended) - both of which come off of the Clear Creek Trail.

Hey, 80 miles is nothing! The Clear Creek Trail is sort of fun. In Adams County, there is a park where you go by a lot of men in cars. Never even noticed until the newspaper had headlines about the "activity" that went on in the bushes around there. The section through Wheat Ridge is a bit different, also. One park (just past Wadsworth) is a daytime "Lover's Lane."

I used to commute (just a few times) from Holly and Orchard (way SE) to the CCT, PRT and up to the Clear Creek Trail and Pecos - 28 miles one way. As I said, just a few times. I also took a lot of rec rides on the Clear Creek Trail, Little Dry Creek Trail and Ralston Creek Trail (not recommended) - both of which come off of the Clear Creek Trail.

Hey, 80 miles is nothing! The Clear Creek Trail is sort of fun. In Adams County, there is a park where you go by a lot of men in cars. Never even noticed until the newspaper had headlines about the "activity" that went on in the bushes around there. The section through Wheat Ridge is a bit different, also. One park (just past Wadsworth) is a daytime "Lover's Lane."

I've ridden the Clear Creek Trail from where it goes under I-70 to Golden for 16 years. I usually ride it with my mountain bike because there are a lot of side trails that can be fun when you ride them at insane speeds. I've gotten to the point where I know when a rock has been displaced because I ride it so much.

The park you are thinking of is called Johnson Park. (No. Really. Officially.) You'd be amazed at the amount of flesh I have seen while riding through that park. Be it morning and colder than snot or a hot summer's evening, there is always alot of fogged windows and random underwear around.

Isn't Ralston Creek Trail about the ugliest trail you have ever seen? It has the most beautiful bridge at its confluence with Clear Creek, but the rest is just too ugly for words! And it doesn't get any better as you go west, in fact I think it just gets worse.

Stuart Black

any of y'all looped Idaho Springs - Estes Park - Winter Park - back to IS?

I think it'd be a fun 3-4 day trip.

Comments, advice, opinions? :)


PS: What's with people having sex in their car at the park? Don't get me wrong, I've been intimate with the women in my life outside the home, but I wouldn't do it when kids could walk by.

PS: What's with people having sex in their car at the park? Don't get me wrong, I've been intimate with the women in my life outside the home, but I wouldn't do it when kids could walk by.

Yeah!

This particular park is sort of isolated - you must drive to fet to it, but that is no excuse. IMHO, these are folks cheating on their spouses. We used to live just a few blocks away (47th and Carr) in the 70's, and it was the same then.

Enjoy your ride.

I have ridden there at all times, also hiked. On my mtn bike, I ride from the parking lot by the west ponds in Chatfield, up the gravel road/trail, by the Audubon Center and the Waterton Parking lot, up to Strontia Springs Dam and return, never seen a loose dog! Guess I have been lucky, but generally don't ride so much on weekends.
Actually, it has to do more with me having bad luck. I could be riding near the top of Mt. Everest and there would be a dog off its leash standing between me and the top. Last Sunday, I was riding up near Confluence Park when I came upon a man training his two dogs right on the bike path. Amazing!!

As for Franktown, I will print out your route suggestions and will be taking this ride as soon as it dries up around here.



I'm not sure what part of Denver you start in but you can go north on the Platte Trail to 104th Ave. From there go east about a mile to Riverdale Rd. Riverdale is a wonderful country road with some traffic but it isn't that busy. Take Riverdale all the way to Colorado 7, then east to Brighton. From Brighton you can come south through Henderson back to either McKay Road or 88th Ave. and then down the Platte trail. From Confluence Park, round trip is probably 80 miles.

If you don't want to go that far north, turn at Clear Creek trail. This trail goes all the way to Golden now without interuption. In Golden, if you go up 19th St., you can turn onto a new trail that follows along US 6. (Stop and see the dinosaur tracks if it isn't muddy.) At the bottom of the hill (and you'll know which one when you get there) there is a trail that goes off to the south under US 6. It will eventually put you out at Heritage Square. From there go out on US40 and go east to Rooney Road where you will turn south and follow the road until you come to the C-470 trail, about 4 miles. From there you can go south to Chatfield or you can turn on Bear Creek. Looking at the distances, if you go all the way to Chatfield, this route might get you close to a century, depending on where you start.

If you want a 50 miler around Downtown, start at the Confluence, go north to the Metro Sewage plant (about 71st Ave.) and then east on Sand Creek. Sand Creek will take you through the Stapleton area and out to Aurora, where you can hook up with the Highline Canal Trail off of Chambers Rd. Come back on the Highline to Cherry Creek Trail and back to the Confluence. The route is about half dirt. I once did it at night and it's a real hoot!

As for maps, I'd suggest the DBTC Denver Metro Map. Very comprehensive, relatively cheap and recently updated. It covers all of the metro area.

Stuart Black
Let me guess, you were one of the contributors when they updated the DBTC bike map? You are amazing! Both you and DnvrFox should put a book together on bike path rides in Denver. I know I would buy it.

I live in Highlands Ranch not far from the intersection of Highlands Parkway Rd and Broadway. All my rides begin from my home. I've ridden to Brighton once and recognize some of the roads and paths you've mentioned. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

Dan

As for Franktown, I will print out your route suggestions and will be taking this ride as soon as it dries up around here.

Be sure to PM me for specific instructions. Perhaps I could accompany you from E470/CCTrail?

Let me guess, you were one of the contributors when they updated the DBTC bike map? You are amazing! Both you and DnvrFox should put a book together on bike path rides in Denver. I know I would buy it.

I live in Highlands Ranch not far from the intersection of Highlands Parkway Rd and Broadway. All my rides begin from my home. I've ridden to Brighton once and recognize some of the roads and paths you've mentioned. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

Dan

I have been the mountain bike ride coordinator (first one), a tour director, the head tour director, board member, newsletter editor, e-mail newsletter editor (saddly I was retired from that job) and the president of DBTC. But I have never worked on the map. I just have ridden bikes in the Denver area for the last 25 years and am cursed with a nearly photographic memory for ride details. I have also ridden just about every patch of bicycle pavement you can ride in the area.

Glad to help,

Stuart Black

Yeah!

This particular park is sort of isolated - you must drive to fet to it, but that is no excuse. IMHO, these are folks cheating on their spouses. We used to live just a few blocks away (47th and Carr) in the 70's, and it was the same then.

Enjoy your ride.

Yep, it's the Cheatin' park! I usually see the same cars at the same time for a few months and then another group takes their place. I used to make whole stories up about them.

Stuart Black

any of y'all looped Idaho Springs - Estes Park - Winter Park - back to IS?

I think it'd be a fun 3-4 day trip.

Comments, advice, opinions? :)


PS: What's with people having sex in their car at the park? Don't get me wrong, I've been intimate with the women in my life outside the home, but I wouldn't do it when kids could walk by.

I've done sections of this ride but not all of it. From Idaho Springs to Estes is the big problem. You can't use the tunnels on US6. I don't know about the new Central City Parkway but if you can ride it, it would make the trip fairly easy. Just go to Central City, then to Blackhawk and then on to CO119. This is Peak to Peak Highway and is used regularly by cyclists.

Keep going past Nederland and Ward and on to Allenspark and, finally, Estes Park. This is the "back way" which will avoid some nasty traffic on US36.

From Estes, ride up through Rocky Mountain National Park on Trail Ridge Road. Trail Ridge is long and high and has 2, count 'em, 2 summits. Don't be fooled into thinking that the Rainbow Curve is anywhere near the top. The worst part of the ride, if you haven't done it before, is coming up to the top of the Rock Cut and looking across Iceberg Pass to another summit. It has been know to make strong men cry :cry: :cry:

From there it's all downhill to Grand Lake. I'd suggest camping at Shaddow Mountain Res. The one on the south end of the lake is nice and quiet, if a little large.

From Grand Lake, continue on to Grandby, then on to US40 and back to Winter Park. If you camp in Winter Park, be aware that the campground there has no water. Never has, probably never will. And it's the only easily accessible campground that I can think of in that whole valley.

Then ride US40 over Berthoud Pass and back to Idaho Springs.

Three days would be hard. Four would be relaxed.

Stuart Black

Just returned from CS.

We hiked around Garden of the Gods, and noticed the many bicyclists on the well-marked bike lanes in this beautiful large city park full of wonderful large rock formations and a fair amount of cycling hills.

We have decided to take a few days and stay in the springs, ride the GotG's trails and roads, hit Royal Gorge, Cave of the Wids, etc - places that we as long-time Coloradans haven't seen for a long-time, or in fact, have never seen!

I have been the mountain bike ride coordinator (first one), a tour director, the head tour director, board member, newsletter editor, e-mail newsletter editor (saddly I was retired from that job) and the president of DBTC.

My wife and I did a few DBTC rides, but stopped after a very strange incident in which, at the lunch after the ride, the ride leader, Rex ???, (and I guess he was the president at that time) started yelling loudly in the restaurant (County Line Barbecue) at one of the members with whom we were eating - a nice lady. Everyone in the restaurant was looking at this yelling person - we could not fathom what his concern was. Anyway, my wife and I and the lady left the restaurant and went elsewhere. Wow, was that strange. Left a bad taste, and besides I learned to enjoy solo or riding with my wife more than group rides!